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The element sodium is given the chemical symbol Na and can be found in the Periodic Table on page 79 of the Formulae and Tables booklet - Junior Cycle Science - Question a - 2015
Question a
The element sodium is given the chemical symbol Na and can be found in the Periodic Table on page 79 of the Formulae and Tables booklet. (i) Sodium is in Group 1 of... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The element sodium is given the chemical symbol Na and can be found in the Periodic Table on page 79 of the Formulae and Tables booklet - Junior Cycle Science - Question a - 2015
Step 1
Step 2
Draw a model of the structure of an atom of sodium-23.
Answer
To represent the atom of sodium-23:
- Nucleus: Contains 11 protons and approximately 12 neutrons (the atomic mass is 23).
- Electron shells:
- First shell: 2 electrons.
- Second shell: 8 electrons.
- Third shell: 1 electron.
Labelled Diagram:
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• • •
•
• • ••
• Nucleus (11p, 12n) •
• • •
•
• • •
•
(Note: This is a simple representation. A proper diagram should illustrate the correct positioning of protons, neutrons, and electrons in their respective shells.)
Step 3
Explain why sodium and potassium have many similar chemical properties.
Answer
Sodium and potassium share similar chemical properties because they are both in the same group (Group 1) of the Periodic Table. This means they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell, which is 1 electron.
This similarity in electron configuration leads to comparable reactivity and behavior during chemical reactions, particularly their tendency to lose that outer electron and form +1 ions.
Step 4